Data, credit card numbers for 2.9 million Adobe users stolen

A screenshot of Adobe's website. The company was hit by hackers who accessed user information, including account IDs, encrypted passwords as well as credit and debit card numbers.

A screenshot of Adobe's website. The company was hit by hackers who accessed user information, including account IDs, encrypted passwords as well as credit and debit card numbers. (Adobe)

Salvador Rodriguez

Adobe announced Thursday that it was the victim of a hack and that personal data for 2.9 million users were stolen.

The software company, known for Photoshop and other programs, said cyber attackers were able to access user information, including account IDs, encrypted passwords as well as credit and debit card numbers. The hackers were able to erase data of some Adobe users.

The hackers also illegally accessed source code for numerous Adobe products. That's like stealing the secret formula for Coca-Cola.

The company did not specify which users of its various software programs were hit.

"We deeply regret that this incident occurred," Brad Arkin, Adobe's chief security officer, said in a blog post Thursday. "We’re working diligently internally, as well as with external partners and law enforcement, to address the incident."

The company said it has reset the passwords for affected customers and has contacted them with information on how to change their passwords. Adobe also recommends those users change their passwords for other websites.

For customers whose credit and debit card information was stolen, Adobe said it will send information on how they can protect themselves. The company will also offer those customers a complimentary one-year credit monitoring membership.

Adobe also said it has notified banks that process customers' payments about the attacks so they can help protect customers.

Finally, Adobe said it is working with federal law enforcement officials.